Over 30 municipalities have been severely devastated by the devastating storms over the last few weeks. Several people lost their lives and hundreds had to leave their homes. Swiss Solidarity, together with SRG and various private media, has launched an appeal for solidarity and has so far collected over CHF 10 million in donations for emergency aid. The aid is primarily focussed on private individuals in the affected communities.
"We are very moved by the solidarity and compassion from all parts of Switzerland for the affected regions. We are very grateful for the many donations from private donors, cantons, municipalities, companies and foundations. This enables us to support those affected during this difficult time and show that the Swiss people are there for them."Ernst Lüber, Programme Director of Swiss Solidarity
Swiss Solidarity’s aid is provided in two phases: Ongoing immediate aid via the municipalities primarily helps private individuals to bridge the most urgent shortages. The immediate aid phase focuses on essential purchases and covering costs that need to be financed immediately after the disaster. Examples include the cost of temporary accommodation, transport costs because people can no longer live in the same place, or the purchase of new clothes because they have lost everything. Swiss Solidarity has already transferred more than half a million Swiss francs in immediate aid to affected communities and will make further funds available over the next few days.
In a second step, Swiss Solidarity finances residual costs incurred by private individuals, associations and smaller companies. There is also the possibility that, following detailed evaluations, residual costs of particularly affected municipalities may also be financed. The Foundation’s support is always subsidiary, i.e. it supplements the assistance provided by the public sector and insurance companies. It is primarily used where there are gaps in the system, the effects of the disaster justify this and Swiss Solidarity can utilise the donations efficiently.
If the donations received by Swiss Solidarity exceed the requirements, the remaining amount is allocated to the Swiss Disaster Fund. This fund covers damage caused by severe weather to private individuals in the event of minor events in Switzerland.
Swiss Solidarity, 1211 Geneva 8
Your donation is tax deductible in Switzerland.
